What term describes the negative consequences linked to the use of licit substances, such as alcohol?

The term that describes the negative consequences linked to the use of licit substances, like alcohol, is substance abuse. This refers specifically to patterns of behavior involving the excessive or harmful use of a substance that leads to significant adverse effects on an individual’s life. Substance abuse often includes a range of negative outcomes such as health problems, legal issues, and social and occupational difficulties stemming from the use of the substance.

This concept distinguishes itself from substance dependence, which focuses more on the physiological and psychological reliance on a substance, where the individual may experience withdrawal symptoms without the substance. Substance misuse typically refers to the inappropriate use of a substance, which can occur without the same level of significant adverse consequences that characterize abuse. Lastly, substance withdrawal pertains to the physical and mental symptoms that occur when a person who has been dependent on a substance stops using it, rather than the negative consequences of the substance use itself. Understanding these distinctions highlights why substance abuse is aptly suited as the term for the context provided.